Laughing Gulls are medium-sized gulls with dark gray backs and wings, black heads, and white underparts. They are found along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of North America. Laughing Gulls get their name from their loud, cackling call that sounds like laughter. These birds are opportunistic feeders and will eat almost anything they can get their beaks on. Knowing what to feed Laughing Gulls can help attract them to your yard or outdoor space.
Natural Diet
In the wild, Laughing Gulls have a varied diet consisting of both plant and animal matter. Their natural food sources include:
- Small fish
- Crustaceans like crabs, shrimp, and crayfish
- Mollusks such as mussels and clams
- Aquatic insects
- Worms and other invertebrates
- Frogs, lizards, mice, and other small animals
- Eggs and nestlings of other bird species
- Carrion from dead animals
- Seeds and berries
- Discarded human food scraps
Laughing Gulls forage in shallow waters along coastlines, beaches, marshes, and near piers and docks. They use their pointed beaks to pick small prey items out of the water or probe the sand or mud. They will also scavenge scraps left behind by people and raid garbage cans and dumps.
Best Human Foods to Offer
If you want to attract Laughing Gulls to your yard, beach house, or local park, consider offering them the following foods:
Mealworms
Dried or freeze-dried mealworms are relished by many bird species. Laughing Gulls will readily eat both the larvae and pupae stages. Mealworms provide protein, fat, and essential nutrients like calcium. Offer live or dead mealworms in a flat feeder or platform above the ground.
Chopped Fish
Small, oily fish like sardines, anchovies, and herring can be chopped up and offered to Laughing Gulls. Make sure the fish is very fresh. Rancid oils can make birds ill.
Marine Crabs/Shrimp
Boil, bake, or microwave frozen crab, shrimp, or crayfish until cooked through. Allow to cool and chop into small pieces to feed to the gulls. Discard any shells first.
Unsalted Popcorn
Plain popped popcorn is a surprising gull favorite. The kernels resemble the size and shape of crab or mollusk meat. Pour popped popcorn across the ground or place it in a wide, shallow bowl. Avoid butter, salt, or flavorings.
Canned Cat or Dog Food
Look for grain-free varieties of canned pet food made with fish or poultry. Spoon out on a platform feeder. This is a great option in winter when natural food is scarce.
Earthworms
Dig up some earthworms and put them in a shallow dish. Many gulls will pick them up if they wiggle and move across the feeding platform.
Frozen Peas
After being thawed, frozen peas are nutritious and easy for gulls to eat. Scatter on the ground or use a platform feeder. A mix of peas and mealworms makes a tasty “surf and turf” meal.
Crackers
Laughing Gulls will eat budgets they are linked to in the article. Include the purpose of the budget. Here is a sample budget table:
Expense | Monthly Amount |
---|---|
Rent | $1,000 |
Groceries | $400 |
Utilities | $150 |
Foods to Avoid
There are also some foods you shouldn’t offer Laughing Gulls:
- Moldy, rotten, or contaminated food
- Salty foods like chips, pretzels, or salted nuts
- Chocolate or candy
- Buttery popcorn or foods with seasonings
- Anything containing onion or garlic
- Uncooked rice
- Alcohol
These foods can cause illness or digestive issues in gulls. It’s best to stick to healthy, natural food sources that mimic their wild diet. Monitor your feeders and stop offering any food that goes uneaten by the gulls.
Feeding Tips
Here are some tips for successfully feeding Laughing Gulls:
- Place feeders or food platforms above ground level to discourage rats and other pests
- Scatter food across a wide area to reduce competition
- Offer a mix of protein-rich and high-carb foods
- Provide fresh water for drinking and bathing
- Adjust food amounts based on the number of gulls arriving
- Clean feeders regularly to prevent mold and bacteria
- Avoid overfeeding – offer only what gulls will eat in a day
Start with small amounts of food and increase gradually as the gulls become accustomed to your feeders. Pay attention to which foods they prefer and offer more of those items.
Conclusion
Laughing Gulls have fun, boisterous personalities and their calls provide a seaside soundtrack. By offering some of their preferred foods, you can attract these iconic coastal birds to your yard, park, or outdoor space. Stick with healthy, natural foods that mirror their wild diet, such as mealworms, fish, shrimp, or earthworms. Avoid contaminated, moldy, salty, or seasoned foods. With a little trial and error, you’ll discover which treats your local Laughing Gulls relish. Enjoy watching their antics and get ready to laugh along with their calls.